Meg Southard’s research in the College of Veterinary Medicine has the potential to lead to new treatments to decrease the symptoms of opioid withdraw and significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.
From Zionsville, Indiana, Meg is pursuing a master’s degree in neuroscience through the Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience (IPN) Program within the Integrative Program of Biomedical Sciences (IPS) under the mentorship of Dr. Travis Brown. She is on track to graduate in the spring of 2025.
She recently took some time to discuss her research and experiences at WSU.
What inspired you to pursue your graduate studies at WSU?
After working in a lab during my undergraduate studies, I developed a passion for neuroscience and knew I wanted to continue doing research in the field. I took a particular interest in drugs of abuse, feeding, and addiction. WSU was the perfect match for me as there are so many experts in this field here.
Can you describe your current research and its significance in your field?
I am currently investigating the potential therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment – the exposure to 100% oxygen at a high pressure – on opioid withdrawal-associated behaviors. We hypothesize that treating mice with HBO will decrease the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, a major challenge that individuals with opioid use disorder face during recovery. We hope that studying this novel treatment method can help us better understand how opioids affect the brain and how to best combat opioid use disorder, increasing recovery success rates.
How has your research evolved since you began your graduate studies?
This HBO project was initially a small side project I was working on. After getting some promising results, it has evolved to my thesis project. We originally planned on just evaluating behavioral data, but now we are going to look at the molecular side of things to see if we can identify the potential mechanism of action for this treatment. In addition to this project, I have been learning a lot of really cool techniques, like electrophysiology, microscopy, and surgeries, to help out with other projects.
What resources or facilities at WSU have been most valuable to your research?
The vivarium staff here at WSU has been absolutely crucial to the research we are doing here. They are incredible and do so much work for us behind the scenes. Providing the best care for our research animals is a major priority and they make that possible.
What role does collaboration play in your research, and how have you worked with other students and faculty?
Collaboration is a huge part of our research. This HBO project is actually a collaboration with Dr. Ray Quock, a Professor Emeritus of WSU’s Psychology Department. I am honored to expand upon his research while he enjoys his retirement. Additionally, many of our other projects are collaborations with other labs, both within IPN and at other universities. It is really nice having such a great team of people working together to do some awesome science.
How has your mentor helped you in your journey?
Travis has been an incredible mentor during my time here at WSU. He has really gone above and beyond supporting me throughout this process, whether it is troubleshooting failed experiments, editing my many, many drafts for papers, preparing for presentations, or helping me cope with the Indiana Pacers, my favorite basketball team, losing in the playoffs.
What are your long-term career goals, and how is your current research helping you achieve them?
I am looking to shift from academic research toward clinical research in industry. My time here at WSU has given me the opportunity to develop the skills that I will need to achieve this. I have learned so much during my graduate school experience and I am excited to utilize what I have learned in my future career.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
My favorite thing about WSU and CVM is by far the people. The people here are incredibly kind and supportive. Graduate school and science in general can sometimes create a tense environment with a lot of competition and animosity between students. IPN has such a positive environment with a close-knit group of people. There is nothing but support from everyone in the department. You can really feel that everyone here is rooting for you to succeed. This is such a great community that makes the tough parts of grad school more manageable.
What has surprised you the most about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I have been surprised at how supportive the CVM community is. The kindness and support I have gotten within my department is matched by the rest of the college. I really appreciate the numerous resources that CVM provides like access to CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services).
What would you say to prospective graduate students considering the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I would say there is nowhere else I would rather be for grad school. Graduate school is very difficult, but the CVM works to be as accommodating as possible and make the process better. Overall, this has been a very positive experience, and I am so grateful for the people in the community who have made an impact on my time here.